It is no secret that Americans are buying more than ever before. Fast, free, 2-day shipping, flash sales, and an insatiable desire to live like our favorite social media influencers are contributing factors for the latest startling statistics.
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If your closets, junk drawers, bathroom cabinets, and garages are overflowing, then it is time to do some serious decluttering.
Note: It is important to remember that your space did not get cluttered in 1 day, so decluttering will be a weeks to months long process.
Here are some tips for each area of the home:
Closets
Next Level Wardrobe
Take everything out! This will allow you to see how much you truly own, and force you to make a decision about each individual item.
While your closet is empty, it is a good time to reevaluate your organization. Are the things you reach for the most easily accessible? Would it make more sense to store any items elsewhere in your home? Take a few minutes to wipe down surfaces and vacuum before the real organization begins.
Group all clothing into categories, then tackle one at a time. Designate four separate areas, one for keep, one for donate, one for items to sell (Poshmark is great for gently used, secondhand items!), and one for trash. Then, take a good look at each item and ask yourself:
Does it fit? How comfortable is it?
These are two very important considerations. Maybe you have been holding on to those skinny jeans for years in hopes they fit again. Or you have a pair of shoes you love but give you blisters every time you reach for them. If they don’t serve you right now, they need to go.
How often do I reach for this?
Maybe it is time to part with the Hulk Hogan costume you wore for Halloween 7 years ago. Maybe…
What condition is it in?
We are all guilty of hanging on to that one piece of clothing for a little (or a lot) longer than we should have. Be honest with yourself, and if it needs to be replaced, then replace it.
Why am I keeping this?
Sometimes the answer can be something silly, or sentimental. Try not to hold on to these items solely for memories if space is limited for you.
LevelUP
Take your time with this process. It can feel overwhelming and time-consuming, so take quick breaks when you begin to struggle. After you have worked through all of the categories, every item should have a destined fate.
If you find yourself tossing items in the “keep” pile that you are unsure of, fill a basket with these “maybe” items and designate a time frame to donate the items you don’t reach for within it.
Junk Drawer
We all have them! Their contents may vary, but they hold a wide assortment of the things you reach for often and need quick access to. However, if you don’t take a few minutes to declutter from time to time, they can easily get out of hand.
Raymond Forbes Photography
Just like with the closet process, take everything out of your beloved junk drawer and admire it in its miscellaneous glory. Wipe down the drawer itself and install drawer dividers (Or the Maxx Drawer, if you want to double your storage space and keep things tidy).
Rev-A-Shelf
Group the items into categories, and decide what needs to stay, what can be stored elsewhere, and what needs to be thrown out.
For items like batteries or writing utensils, make sure everything works before returning to the drawer.
Pretty Handy Girl
Bathroom
West Elm
Once again, empty all of the drawers and cabinets, then clear the countertops. Wipe down all surfaces, then evaluate your storage space. You may just need a few drawer dividers and bins to keep things tidy, or it might be time to invest in some more heavy duty organization.
Rev-A-Shelf
Either way, group all of the like items together and take a good look at what you have. Do you need 7 bottles of almost empty travel size shampoo? What about the tylenol that expired in 2004? Dispose of old/expired toiletries and medications, and donate unopened products you just don’t reach for. This is also a great time to restock your first aid supplies and keep them somewhere handy.
Garage
A 2012 UCLA study found that 3 out of every 4 households with a garage do not park their car in the garage, because it is full of other belongings. If your garage is full of cluttered chaos, clearly you are not alone.
The Solid Signal Blog
It is important to remove everything from the garage, and deep clean the whole area before you begin the decluttering process. Sweep debris, mop the floors, and wipe down surfaces while the garage is empty. If your garage is full of broken or mismatched storage systems, it may be beneficial to invest in a new set of shelves or cabinets to maximize storage space and give the area a cleaner look.
Garage Solutions Seattle
First, categorize all items into groups, and evaluate the condition and utility of each item. Discard broken, dirty, or out of date items and create a donation pile for everything that may be useful for someone else. If you have a hard time parting with things, consider planning a garage sale to incentivize the decluttering process.
The Norwalk Patriot
What area will you declutter first?
